It would not be out of the question. In fact, it might just be an inevitability, regardless of how the rest of this season plays out with Mark Sanchez and Nick Foles.

Kelly predicted a Heisman for Mariota shortly after he successfully recruited him to Oregon, but he also refused to take any credit for any potential award. The winner will be announced Saturday night.

"I don't think it's any impact that I had," Kelly said. "The type of kid that he is, he had an impact on everybody that had an opportunity to coach him. I'm sure [Oregon coach] Mark Helfrich and [offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach] Scott Frost would tell you the same thing. He's just a special young man and very deserving of the award."

Because most of the Ducks' games are on the west coast, Kelly said he hasn't "had a chance to watch a full body of work from him. But anything he does numbers-wise and things like that don't surprise me.

"But I think it's how he handles himself, his demeanor and all of those things, that really kind of sets him apart. He's a special young man from that standpoint."

Kelly's praise will only intensify the speculation that the Eagles will do whatever it takes in the offseason to land this dynamic player.

Of course, it might not even be possible, depending on which team lands the first pick in the NFL Draft, but don't be surprised if the Eagles make a run at him if, say the Oakland Raiders, who already are believed to have their quarterback of the future in place, wind up in that enviable spot.